Volkswagen's next hot hatch will catch up to the pack…and perhaps then some. New reports suggest the next-gen Volkswagen GTI will pack close to 260 horsepower, along with a sophisticated front differential designed to help handle the power increase.

In the years since the Mark V Volkswagen GTI (2006) debuted, the sub-$30,000 sport compact segment has gotten some serious upgrades. Today's GTI will have to face off against new competitors like the Hyundai Veloster Turbo (201 hp), Fiat 500 Abarth (160 hp), and Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ (200 hp), and battle old rivals like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe (274 hp), Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 hp), Mini Cooper S (181 hp), Mazdaspeed3 (263 hp), and Subaru WRX (265 hp).Wading into battle with just 200 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine may not be good enough anymore, so Autocar says that the Mark VII (2013) GTI will pack a 260-horsepower punch. That's enough to vault right over the Ford Focus ST, the upcoming 247-horsepower hot hatch that's already aiming to steal the GTI's lunch. It's also a healthy 60 horsepower more than before, and 40 more than we previously thought.

Autocar also says that Volkswagen will look to a new type of front differential to keep the power boost from making the GTI too much of a handful. The differential, dubbed VAQ, is an electronically controlled clutch-type unit, and is similar to those employed in a Haldex all-wheel-drive setup in cars like the Golf R.While the GTI will be based on the same MQB architecture that will underpin the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3, we also hear that the car will use aluminum, not steel, in the floorpan and roof to keep weight low.

Expect to see the VW Golf and GTI bow at the Paris Motor Show later this year, with an early-2013 sale date, and perhaps a Golf R variant to follow. We can't wait, but what do you think: Is 260 hp and a trick diff enough to push the GTI to the top of the heap? What does the next GTI need to be a success? Send your thoughts to us in the comments section below.Source: Autocar

New generation is all about perfect balance, I drive a 2012 4d autobahn and traded a 2010 (2d base dsg), sorry but both Subaru and are awoke rally cars but with crapycheap look interiors! Gti is all about high quality everything and expensive look, specifically in the autobahn version. Love mine and can't wait to upgrade with Apr or Giac...!

I am a GTI 3rd time owner, had a 2002, 2010 and since last week a 2012 white autobahn fully loaded one!!, I didnt have the intention to change mi last GTI for another one, I went to the dealership willing to test the Golf R thinking it was going to blow my mind like the last awesome R32, got to tell you guys, is a deception, it's 300 pounds heavier (due to 4motion) and is not faster than a regular GTI, all this cost you 8k usd more!!!, plus I've read and heard the clutch they used is not heavy duty so they are going to issue a recall.. Be careful! Got to tell you what I absolutely loved was the sound! Long story short I saw this white 4 doors (my 2010 was 2 doors) fully loaded "regular" GTI with splash guards and monster mats and changed my 2010. I got to tell you love the autobahn seats!!, Nav, keyless, LEDs and Xenon but I want to ask does anyone noted that the sound of the exhaust is not the same on the 2 doors 2010 than the 2012 4 doors? Also I feel it slightly slower, I think a 4 doors is heavier.. Any thoughts or experiences? I am only disappointed about the exhaust sound everything else is awesome on this new one! Would like to improve without losing the warranty! Thanks in advance for any comments..

I have a 2006 MKV GTI and its the best car I've ever owned. Completely reliable and xenons standard. VW resurrected the GTI when MKV was released - a huge improvement over the MKIV. The MKVI can't say that about the MKV - only minor improvements. By 2007, the MKV GTI was named car of the year. Piece of crap? The MKVI and MKV are too similar to say one is significantly better than the other. They are basically the same exact car

Thats the funniest thing I've heard all day. As is, the GTI is so much better than its competition, the choice is a no brainer for anyone who knows anything about cars (Automobile Mag car of the year again and again). With the anticipated improvements to the MQB GTI, the only reason not to buy one over it's competition is a lack of funds. Period.

Considering the GTI handles so well and has such a finely tuned Chassis... yes, straight line. If the GTI had similar power output to the Cobalt, I'm sure it would do just as well around race tracks as the Chevy. Thus, the only advantage is the Cobalt's sheer speed and straight-line power, an advantage that translates over to it's race-track capabilities and handling.
Give the GTI the same power and the Cobalt becomes a second-rate car because of it's Interior. Anyways, the ultimate fact of the matter is that the Cobalt SS/TC isn't produced anymore and the GTI is.

Are you kidding? The Cobalt SS/TC set the record for fastest FWD car on the Nurburgring. Last time I checked, the 'Ring isn't just once straight line. Check out Car and Driver's Lightning Lap for a laundry list of considerably more expensive cars that it can whip on a track.

I like the EXTERIOR of the new twins...very attractive, and I can't deny they are definitely a good platform and concept....just need something more than a weezy Civic Si engine and retarded ugly interior to truly be a great car.

Much as I love VW, and I'm sure this next engine will be even more excellent than the current TFSi, I am sure VW will charge near 30 grand for it as with anything turbocharged. Therefor I will have to just get a 20 grand Mustang V6 that's faster AND cheaper. Unfortunately it seems I haven't made it to the "middle class" yet...oh well.

"VW is much more conservative in engine tuning, unlike APR."...
I know, thats why I love them. 28k on a stage 3 kit and no worries. 38 mpg @ 75 mph hwy. Stock internals and blows away everything...APR is not to be messed with, its engineering at its best. I like agressive, I am not paying for a commuter..

As far as straight-line performance is concerned, I agree with you. The Ecotec Turbo is a helluva an engine in any car car it goes in. But really that's all they need to catch up with. I've been in a few GTI's and they are very, very nice places to be.

Look at the overwhelmingly positive reviews by multiple reviewers, not just MT. Check out the subie forums. There are lots of reasons to love these cars. Are they perfect.....no. But guaranteed they'll sell all 6000 of their NA shipment ( don't know how many scions are coming). just because it's not for you there's no need to be rude.

Was going to buy the current GTI this summer, but I think I will wait till this new version comes out. The ones I'm looking at are in the $27,000 range. Hope the new model stays in the same ballpark. I heard the whole Golf/GTI range is supposed to come down a little in price due to different manufacturing processes. I hope so.

@Tom and Mecha
Now tell me this: would any of you buy a BRZ/FR-S? I see your words but can you actually back up any of what you're saying? Do you know of anyone who could? Assumming everyone who posts on MT is at least somewhat interested in cars can you find me one smart indivual who would? Can you tell me if there's anyone that either of you know or could even think of who would buy a "sports" car based souly on feel and precision? I guess I do need help..help me in my quest to find the single person who desires an overpriced slow sports car!

I don't know of many who wish for a sports car that's expensive and slow... and those who do are indeed.. idiots. I don't know what context you are using the phrase "reasonable price" as this is confusing to me. Put simply...I will go out of my way to make fun of anyone who goes out and buys an FR-S/BRZ. That's how disgusted I am by those cars.

Need to teach the children.
On the other hand FR-Z/BRZ are simply frankly underpowerd and they need to address that.
I'll bet a 283hp V6 6spd Chrysler 200 (Sebring) can give it run even at the track, it wouldn't be pretty nor would it be as "fun" as being behind the wheel of the Toyubru, but it makes the point.

They would need to come with some magical front diff' in order to prevent the inevitable torque - steer any vehicle with front wheel drive & 260bhp will have .
But I love the GTI that I would take it over any front wheel drive hot hatch any day !

Maybe some magnetorheological dampers, a la GM/Ferrari? The European version already uses adjustable dampers...
A factory track pack with race-spec bits like firm bushings/dampers, less sound deadening/options resulting in lower weight, stickier tires, uprated brake pads, and/or bigger intercooler/radiator would be a great way to add some race/street cred. Not sure why THE original hot hatch doesn't have a spec race series like the Miata...

Look at that...yet another reason one would be an idiot to buy an FR-S/BRZ. According to MT the current one already beats both twins to 60..what's this one gonna do...
This will definitely put the GTI back near the top of the pack again. It should compete well against the ST and SPEED3 with that much power.

As long as the price for the new model stays about the same the GTI will be untouchable.
Abarth might steal some sales purely for its looks, Focus ST might appeal to some based on style as well. Other than that, I don't think anyone would be able to fault GTI as an underperformer.

As a current owner of a MKV GTI with an APR stage 3 kit=385hp. The MKVII with 260 to start with is just an ECU reflash and a trick diff. The displacement will be the same as well as the KO3 sport turbocharger. Not huge changes, software. But still the handling is where the cars are changing for the better. there is a difference in handling between the MKV and a MKVI.

Nope, Volvo C30 T5 R-Design with Polestar upgrade is still much nicer, although a bit more expensive. (250 hp/273 lb-ft). Not to mention that the GTI already spins out its front tires very easily with only 200 HP so I don't know how VW can make it handle another 60 HP with an electric diff...